A ‘miracle’ Journey
In 1986, I was fortunate to attend a seminar where a portion of the program was
conducted by a local radiologist who suggested that women over the age of 50 should
get a baseline mammogram so that subsequent mammograms could be compared to
that first one.
On my visit to my primary care physician, I commented that possibly I should
obtain my baseline mammogram. Fortunately, a small lesion was detected on the X-ray.
Why I would use the word “fortunately” is because the outcome could have been life-
threatening if action had not been taken at that particular time.
The choices then were to have a lumpectomy, which entails removing the cancer
and surrounding tissue, followed by radiation. At that time, radiation would be conducted
in Hastings five times a week for approximately six weeks. The other option was a
mastectomy, removal of the breast. I joked that probably I wouldn’t be able to wear a
double-breasted suit anymore. Currently, a mastectomy is followed by chemotherapy
and/or radiation. Thank goodness, Grand Island now has an excellent medical and
radiation oncology treatment center.
After eight years of being cancer free, I noticed that my flat stomach now had a
bulge, which was out of the ordinary. The next morning after a telephone call to my
surgeon, who was still following my medical condition semi-annually and then annually,
I was able to get into his schedule that same day. After an examination, I was
scheduled for an ultrasound, which revealed a large mass in my pelvic area.
The surgeon said the nurse was able to get me scheduled for surgery the
following morning. I said fine except that my husband was golfing in an out-of-state
tournament and wouldn’t return for three days but added that I would like to have the
surgery the next day and get it over. He advised me that he wouldn’t like that decision if
his wife did that.
My surgery was then rescheduled for the following Monday. Of course, over the
weekend, I could visualize the tumor growing or increasing in size by the minute. The
doctor assured me that was not the case. Again I use the term “fortunately.” Although
the tumor was very large, it was encapsulated, and evidently the cancer had not spread
(metastasized).
My ovarian cancer surgery was followed by approximately six months of
chemotherapy, which was administered locally by four different medical oncologists who
came from Omaha on a regular basis. Grand Island is now blessed with having two
resident medical oncologists and a radiation oncologist at the Cancer Treatment Center.
Yes, some of my hair fell out because of the chemo, so I wore a wig for about six
months. Then I blamed any poor decision or goof while playing cards on that tight wig.
I am so grateful not only for the outstanding medical care but also for all the love,
concern and prayers from my family and friends during my two serious cancer
experiences. I’m sure all that combined with a positive attitude has aided me in being a
cancer survivor.
God has been the guiding force in my cancer journey; that is why my favorite
fragrance is “Miracle” by Lancome. Having had cancer has changed my whole
perspective on life and given me a greater appreciation for each new day.
“Yesterday is past, tomorrow is the future, and today is a gift… that is why it is
called the present.”
My advice for women is to get their annual mammograms, men to get their PSA
tests and everyone to be alert to any subtle changes in their bodies.
UPDATE MARCH 1, 2009:
Elizabeth said that, after surviving breast cancer, she has a new perspective on life and a greater appreciation for each and every day.
Elizabeth is leading an actively life, volunteering at church and St. Francis Medical Center and playing bridge. “I am feeling good, great, glad to be alive.”
Tags: Elizabeth Harrison
